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New: Zoom B3n Multi-Effects

#441
FuzzFacetious said:
Bass - zoom b3n - alto ts212

Would that work? I know you can't play a bass through a guitar amp and cab, can you play it through those frfr speakers and will if sound okay?
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Yes, the Alto TS212 would amplify the signal from the B3n.

Whether or not it would be usable in a live band situation or for your needs is the question.

Once you have a B3n in your possession, and along with your bass, I highly recommend a trip down to Guitar Center where you would be able to connect it to a TS212 there for a free, in-person audition and then make a determination. :thumbsup:
 
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#444
FuzzFacetious said:
For home use it would be okay?


What speakers that are affordable are recommended for bass if not the Alto?

Or am I just better off playing through a clean amp?
Click to expand...
It really depends on your needs. As Charlie said playing the actual system is the best way to know. It also depends on how much EQ you use. Boosting a lot of bass eats up headroom and taxes the drivers. I would consider a HPF and or judicious use of EQ to maximize your usable volume. I don't know if the Zoom unit provides a HPF as one of it's features. I can't stress how much difference a HPF makes. It dramatically decreases cone excursion without losing your bottom end. There is not a lot of fundamental in most bass tones. I would also make a deal to return the Alto within 24-48 hours if you are not satisfied as things are always different when you leave the store. I don't see why this setup would not be satisfactory for home use but you are the determining factor. I, for one, tend to play quite a bit louder at home than I can get away with on gigs. That's just me. Most importantly, if you're playing cleanly and you hear some tubbiness, farting or distortion it's time to turn down the bass and/or volume knob! I hope this helps, there is no one answer which is also what makes us unique players
 
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#445
Stu_Bass said:
It really depends on your needs. As Charlie said playing the actual system is the best way to know. It also depends on how much EQ you use. Boosting a lot of bass eats up headroom and taxes the drivers. I would consider a HPF and or judicious use of EQ to maximize your usable volume. I don't know if the Zoom unit provides a HPF as one of it's features. I can't stress how much difference a HPF makes. It dramatically decreases cone excursion without losing your bottom end. There is not a lot of fundamental in most bass tones. I would also make a deal to return the Alto within 24-48 hours if you are not satisfied as things are always different when you leave the store. I don't see why this setup would not be satisfactory for home use but you are the determining factor. I, for one, tend to play quite a bit louder at home than I can get away with on gigs. That's just me. Most importantly, if you're playing cleanly and you hear some tubbiness, farting or distortion it's time to turn down the bass and/or volume knob! I hope this helps, there is no one answer which is also what makes us unique players
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I don't really know much about this... I currently play through a practice amp with a Zoom MS60 in front and a B3 in the loop, at volumes that won't disturb the neighbours or wake the household at night...

I was thinking of replacing that set-up with the B3n and FRFR.

I know what HPF means (high pass filter0 but I don't really know what one is... I'v never done a live gig (closest I've done is kareoke) and haven't had a serious band practice (only with a practice drum kit that probably costs about 150 or less, and a guitarist with a $30 25w SS practice amp... So not loud or serious). I'm not a pro, just want a nice sounding rig for playing through and practicing, to write my own material for recording.
I don't really have any stores near me that have the Alto - I would have to get them to order it in for me which means that I would feel bad if I didn't buy it. That's why I want to be as sure as possible.
 
#446
FuzzFacetious said:
For home use it would be okay?


What speakers that are affordable are recommended for bass if not the Alto?

Or am I just better off playing through a clean amp?
Click to expand...

Another budget powered speaker worthy of consideration here is the Electro-Voice ZLX-12P.

I believe @TitaniumRx and others on the old "Zoom B3 As Preamp" thread have used speakers in this series with great success.
 
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#448
FuzzFacetious said:
Would that be good for both guitar and bass?

Is there a direct comparison anywhere or have you/anyone who might read this tried both?
Click to expand...

Yes. Provided you have a G3, G3n or similar amp/cab modeling effect unit for guitar, you will get as good, if not better results, as those signals do not challenge the speaker's low end as much as bass signals do.
 
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#450
FuzzFacetious said:
What are the major differences between the Alto and the one you suggested? It's better at handling bass frequencies or something?
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I cannot speak for the Alto, but I have used the ZLX and they are great powered speakers and an affordable alternative to my favorite QSC K12.

For home use you would not find either the Alto or EV lacking and they nicely double as iPod speakers for parties. :thumbsup:
 
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#452
I need amplification for home, band practices, and the occasional open-mic or similar in a smaller room. None of that requires much volume. I use a mixture of a smallish keyboard amp, or whatever PA or powered speaker happens to be available where I'm playing.

I like that the one piece of equipment works as an amplifier for my basses, keyboards, phone, etc., etc.

I think you'll be fine as long as you're not turning it up past the point where it distorts. For the uses you describe I suspect it'll get louder than you want before that point.

I don't know about the other pedals, but the B3 doesn't have something that it calls a high pass filter, weirdly. Last time I needed one I used the "splitter" effect, which seemed fine. Or maybe one of the EQ or filter effects would do the job, I haven't looked very hard.
 
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#454
A lot of stuff will work. Some full range speakers will start to rattle when turned up from the excess low end. All you can do is thin out your sound by filtering out low end incrementally until the buzz/rattle goes away. Other speakers will get really loud, and sound like dog poop in the process. My advice if you're really serious about using modeled bass tones, and you're concerned with volume, is to get at least a 12" based cabinet, preferably a 15", though. If your going to nickel-and-dime your way to a solution, then save up until you can purchase a speaker worth owning that gets you quality sound at the volume you require.

Personally, I've got over $1500 invested in my A-rig high quality full range speakers (2 Atomic CLR passives). I'm sure @CharlieC has a fair chunk of change invested in his speaker system. If you're playing at home, that's one thing. If you're a gigging bassist, unless you're in a band with IEM or quiet stage treatment, doing this on the cheap isn't a good idea.

JMHO.
 
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#455
jimfist said:
A lot of stuff will work. Some full range speakers will start to rattle when turned up from the excess low end. All you can do is thin out your sound by filtering out low end incrementally until the buzz/rattle goes away. Other speakers will get really loud, and sound like dog poop in the process. My advice if you're really serious about using modeled bass tones, and you're concerned with volume, is to get at least a 12" based cabinet, preferably a 15", though. If your going to nickel-and-dime your way to a solution, then save up until you can purchase a speaker worth owning that gets you quality sound at the volume you require.

Personally, I've got over $1500 invested in my A-rig high quality full range speakers (2 Atomic CLR passives). I'm sure @CharlieC has a fair chunk of change invested in his speaker system. If you're playing at home, that's one thing. If you're a gigging bassist, unless you're in a band with IEM or quiet stage treatment, doing this on the cheap isn't a good idea.

JMHO.
Click to expand...
My setup is just a Line 6 Relay G10 into the B3 then into my Ashdown ABM500. I used the direct out from the Ashdown and also have a separate footswitch to utilize the Ashdown's sub-harmonic function.

Works like a charm!
 
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#460
Rubbing it in! ;)

b3n_jp.jpg
 
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